[Bad Zebra]

The "newbie" feeling that you have is probably a lack of confidence. It is completely natural and likely obvious only to yourself and veteran partners you work with. EVERYBODY starts out with the same feelings. Any veteran official who claims different isn't being honest with you...or more likely, they don't remember back that far.

There are really only two things that will build that confidence...one of which is somewhat beyond your control, the other is completely under your control:

1) Work as many games as possible and practical. That includes non-varsity, youth, AAU, whatever. Be careful not to bite off more than you can handle. Adult Rec ball can be challenging to veteran officials. Trying to officiate whiney, washed up athletes is probably not the best arena to try to polish your skills. Stick to youth...up to and including high school ball. It's a lot less stress and lower impact than college or adults. Thus it's a better proving ground. The number of games you work is somewhat beyond your control unless you are an assigner as well. Make sure your assigner(s) know you want to get as much experience as possible.

2) Know the rules! This , for me, was the real key to having the confidence to do a real good job as a new official. There is absolutely NO SUBSTITUTE for getting your nose in the rule book and learning it inside and out. Once you are confident that you know the rules better than the coaches, players, fans, table crew and anybody else in the building (including some partners!), you'd be surprised how definitive and crisp your calls and mechanics become. This is the factor that is 100% under YOUR control.

Good luck and welcome to the ranks.